Republished as featured on Agoda Travel Guides
Hikers who are longing for fewer crowds and more untouched landscapes will want to lace up their hiking boots and head to Laos. This luscious region of Southeast Asia doesn’t get the attention it deserves when it comes to outdoor adventure. Trekking in Laos offers backpackers opportunities to go off-grid, stay with locals and experience Laotian hospitality at its finest. Not only is Laos a wonderland for hard-core trekkers, it also features an abundance of pristine destinations for adventure sports enthusiasts looking to go rock climbing in limestone forests, kayaking down the Mekong River or mountain biking through far-off jungles. In other words, Laos is the ultimate playground for trekking and adventure sports, and here are some of the top ways to get your game on.
Trekking Through Laos – Trails and Tips for Beginners and Tourists
Imagine the ultimate hiking trip: you are trekking through a rainforest, surrounded by terraced coffee plantations on a steamy mountainside, and you come upon a village where locals welcome you in, serve you hot coffee and a hot bowl of khao soi and then give you extra water before politely bowing and wishing you well on your journey. That’s trekking in Laos, where hikers experience the country’s culture right along with its countryside. There are numerous places in Laos for hikers to immerse themselves in nature and get lost on jungle trails, but going to the far north and far south of the country lends unique opportunities that true trekking enthusiasts will appreciate.
Nam Ha National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area – Northern Laos
This 859-square-mile naturescape in far northern Laos borders China and Myanmar and is home to more than 20 ethnic groups. As the fourth largest national protected area in Laos, Nam Ha National Protected Area offers endless outdoor adventure, especially for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is renowned as an eco-tourism destination with numerous hiking trails, longtail boat rides and even a skateboarding park.
The closest major city to Nam Ha National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area is Luang Prabang, an 8-hour journey by bus (that is totally worth the effort)!
Phou Khao Khouay National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area – Central Laos (Vientiane)
A little-known gem that sits just two and half hours northeast of Vientiane, Phou Khao Khouay National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area features almost 800 square miles of virtually untouched nature waiting for hikers to explore. Tourists can trek through forests, kayak down rivers and camp near Lao villages nestled inside and around the perimeter of the park.
Dong Natad National Protected Area
Bordering Thailand in the mountainous province of Ban That trekkers will find more to explore than the evergreen forests of Dong Natad National Protected Area. This protected forest is perfect for short treks and cycling tours, and it also is near the famous That Ing Hang, a 16th-century shrine believed to contain part of Buddha’s spine. Hikers venturing to Dong Natad National Protected Area also will be close to Savannakhet, a bustling town on the Mekong River that is home to Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge No. 2.
Safety and cultural tips for trekking in Laos
- All hikers are encouraged to hire a guide for off-grid treks.
- For solo travelers, Laos is considered a safe and hospitable country.
- All trekkers should be aware of Laos weather and plan for the elements while trekking. Wear long-sleeved clothing, particularly in the mornings, for protection against mosquitoes and sunburn; carry sunscreen and plenty of water; always wear proper clothing, like hiking shoes with socks and long pants, while hiking through jungle trails.
- Keep passports in a protective bag, or dry bag, and carry separate from cash.
- Be considerate of locals; ask permission before taking photos.
HOTELS NEAR THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR TREKKING IN LAOS
Jungle Trekking – Explore the Wilder Side of Laos on Advanced Hikes
Serious hikers who love a good rendezvous with nature are in for a pleasant surprise with a well-planned trip to Laos. With off-grid naturescapes galore, hikers can get lost in lush forests while looking for tigers and other wildlife in the jungle. Tour guides are recommended when going deep into the jungle, and tourists will find countless eco-tourism experiences and rainforest tours for the choosing. These adventure spots in Laos offer a variety of activities, from zip-lining to floating down rivers. Take a look at these popular outdoor destinations for non-stop jungle trekking adventures.
Bokeo Nature Reserve, Bokeo Province
Escape to far northern Laos to a 475-square-mile outdoor wonderland on the banks of the Mekong River. A haven for eco-tourism, the protected rainforests and rivers provide a safe place to live for black-cheeked gibbons, along with tigers, birds and a variety of native wildlife. Prepare to zipline over the jungle on the Gibbon Experience and trek to waterfalls and Nam Nga River over mountainous terrain.
How to get there: Fly into Huay Xai, the closest town to Bokeo Nature Reserve, and catch a ride to the entrance of the park. Visitors also can take a slow boat from either Luang Prabang (two days) or Pakbeng (one day).
Xe Pian National Park
Head down south to trek through one of the largest jungles in Laos at Xe Pian National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area. This 927-square-mile biological landscape is home to the giant ibis and sarus crane, along with dozens of other bird and mammal species. The journey starts at Kiet Ngong Village and leads to days-long adventures of trekking through rainforests, playing with elephants and hiking around the sacred pillars at Phou Asa archaeological site. Jump on the Ta Ong Trail for off-grid hiking on trails that lead to a remote village. Extreme adventurists can even sign up for camping tours.
How to get to Xe Pian National Park: from Pakse, the drive is one hour and 15 minutes.
Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area
Discover the biodiversity of south-central Laos at Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area, a forested national park and former part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Savannakhet Province. This off-the-beaten-track ecotourism destination can’t be beat for mountain climbing. The highest summit of Phou Lafoun is one of 39 mountain peaks inside the park which provide residence for the Katang people, an ethnic group that lives outside modern technology. Trekkers can meet locals and learn about their sustainable farming practices while touring scenic rice paddies.
How to get to Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area: Fly to either Savannakhet or Pakse airport and take a taxi to the park. The journey is about two hours from each location. Trains and buses also are available from Luang Prabang and Vientiane to Pakse.
FIND HOTELS NEAR TOP DESTINATIONS FOR JUNGLE TREKKING IN LAOS
Kayaking Adventures on Laos’ Rivers
With year-round weather perfect for splashing in the water and some of the world’s most awesome waterways, Laos is an excellent destination for kayaking adventures. Tourists can paddle down the Mekong in several locations, innertube down Nam Song in Vang Vieng or float around the old city in Luang Prabang. Check out these kayaking adventures on Laos’ most famous rivers.
Nam Song River, Vang Vieng
Take a half-day kayaking tour down the Nam Song River, or go tubing through Tham Nam Cave. The opportunities for kayaking in Vang Vieng are almost endless. One guided tour takes guests up-river, stops at two caves and an organic farm. Another ends with a swim in blue lagoons. Experienced guides know the best routes and how to navigate them safely. Tourists can talk to accommodations hosts for references, as there are many reputable guides in Vang Vieng.
Mekong River, Various Locations
Since the Mekong River stretches through much of Laos, finding a tour guide to take you on a kayaking adventure is easy in any city. In Luang Prabang, tourists can paddle around the old city through unspoiled countryside. In Vang Vieng, kayaking tours glide past waterfalls and navigate some rapids before docking at a sand bank for lunch. Plan a three-day trip down the Mekong from Pakse to venture to the island of Don Deng. There is even a dolphin-viewing area included in this one!
Safety tips for kayaking on rivers in Laos
- Hire a guide for longer kayaking trips down major waterways, like the Mekong and Nam Song rivers.
- As Laos is considered a safe and hospitable country, tour guides often are reputable and practice safety. Ask hotel staff for recommended guides, and use advice from locals when choosing the best kayaking guide.
- Be aware of Laos weather. Avoid rainy season (April to August) when monsoons cause rivers to fill and flow more swiftly.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing for protection against sunburn.
- Carry sunscreen and plenty of water.
- Carry cash and passports separately, and keep passports in a dry bag.
FIND TOP HOTELS NEAR THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR KAYAKING IN LAOS
Mountain Biking – Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations for Extreme Sports
Whether you are a bicyclist who likes to pedal through natural scenery or an adventurists who likes to kick up some dust on an ATV, Laos has got the mountain biking adventure for you! Travelers looking for biking tours in the mountains have their pick of easy one-day tours that offer highlights of top destinations or challenging nine-day tours that take tourists to remote river valleys and isolated mountainsides. Visitors will even find e-bike tours and dirt-bike trails. Here are just a few places recommended for mountain biking in Laos.
Luang Prabang Countryside
Cover the rural beauty of Laos on a 48-kilometre ride around the country’s original capital city of historic Luang Prabang. The popular mountain biking trail takes riders across four rivers and travels along dirt and paved paths in the countryside to nearby Hmong and Khmu villages. Bikers will even load their bikes on a boat to cross one river and continue the journey on the other side. Riders can pedal down the trail themselves or hire a local guide to ensure safe travels.
Vientiane Trails
Bikers will never run out of trails while staying in Vientiane. Local tour guides can help tours discover which trails are best suited to their skills and adventure needs. Some of the more popular trails around Vientiane are Hammer and Cycle (4.8 km), Sacred Trail (5.8 km), Saint George (3.2 km), Belly of the Buddha (1.6 km), Buddha’s Footprint (3.2 km).
Vang Vieng Trails
Plan for a half day, full day or several days of mountain biking adventures while holidaying in Vang Vieng. One of the most popular trails spans 14 kilometers long and covers the rural outskirts of this scenic backpacker haven in central Laos. The route around the city takes three to four hours to complete and is moderately challenging. Check with local guides to find more challenging rides and off-grid adventures.
Tips for beginners and experienced bikers
- Wear a helmet and gloves; when driving a motorbike, consider a full-face helmet.
- Wear mesh-lined clothing for better breathability.
- Drink at least three liters of water per day.
- Travel in groups, and lock up your motorbike when not in use.
- Pack light; bring only what you need.
- Watch for weather, and know your limits, especially during afternoons when temperature and humidity in Laos are highest.
- Leave time for unplanned delays.
FIND HOTELS NEAR TOP DESTINATIONS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING IN LAOS
Rock Climbing and Caving: The Thrill Seeker’s Delight
Rock climbing is one of the newest extreme sports in Laos, and adventurists looking for rock-climbing tours are finding tons of prime territory to cover! The country’s mountains and forested areas cover nearly 70 percent of its terrain, and many places to climb and go spelunking are yet to be discovered. Adventure seekers can take off from any major city – Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Pakse or Vientiane – to spend days monkeying around on cliffs in the jungle or going deep underground into some of the country’s landmark natural tunnels.
Safety tips for rock climbing in Laos: Most tours will provide all safety equipment for rock climbing. Solo climbers will want to pack plenty of chalk and climb in the shade when possible. Early-morning and late-evening climbers may want to throw on a jacket to stay warm until the sun comes up.
Vang Vieng and Thakhek (Rock Climbing)
While Laos has a million and one places to go rock climbing, the most popular places are Vang Vieng and Thakhek. Around Vang Vieng and Thakhek – in several locations – climbers can tackle rocky crags and mountainside cliffs. As both areas are quite spread out, experts recommend spending a day at one location before testing your skills at another. Adventurists recommend Pha Tang in Vang Vieng for quiet yet challenging climbs. Thakhek sits at the foothills of Phou Hin Poun National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area, a sprawling rainforest teeming with natural rock formations.
Kong Lor Cave, Khammouane Province (Caving)
If you’re going rock climbing in Phou Hin Poun National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area, you might as well venture to Kong Lor Cave. This 7.5-kilometer-long limestone tunnel is the largest river cave in the country and requires some pre-planning to reach it. Guests will want to stay overnight in Kong Lor village, then hire a motorbike driver to take them to the cave entrance in the morning.
FIND HOTELS NEAR TOP DESTINATIONS FOR ROCK CLIMBING IN LAOS
White-Water Rafting and Zip-Lining Adventures in Laos
As Indochina’s final frontier, Laos offers an abundance of white-water rafting and ziplining experiences. Travelers looking to swing high over jungles and float to far-off villages in the mountains will not be disappointed with the options for outdoor sports in Laos. The Nam Ngum River is one of the most popular destinations for white-water rafting and ziplining experiences. Travelers also will find plenty of outdoor, off-grid fun in Bokeo Province. Find details for popular adventure sports destinations below.
Nam Ngum River, Near Vientiane (Rafting)
Vientiane is the best place to jump on the Nam Ngum River for some fun in the sun … and rapids! While the river is short in length, it is not short in adventure. Kayakers will paddle through 2- to 3-grade rapids and deep gorges along the vast Nam Ngum River that flows just north of the city. Tourists will float up on rice plantations and natural farmland and alongside hill tribe communities and untouched landscapes. Stops at secluded beaches for swimming are included in some tours.
Gibbon Experience, Bokeo Province (Zip-lining)
Reach speeds of nearly 70 kph while flying over natural jungle areas during the Gibbon Experience in Bokeo Province. This ziplining adventure takes place in Bokeo Nature Reserve, which also features treehouses and waterfall tours. Guests can choose from a number of packages and a series of ziplines. The Gibbon Experience is open daily and provides all safety equipment for zipliners.
FIND PLACES TO STAY NEAR TOP SPOTS FOR ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS IN LAOS
Adventure Travel in Laos – Planning Your Journey
Adventure sports in Laos are best enjoyed during the dry season, between mid-October and April. Tourists will find the coolest weather in December and January, and hikers who visit the mountains during this time will want to bring warm clothing. Rainy season generally kicks off around April, when weather in Southeast Asia become hot and steamy. Travelers shouldn’t shy away from visiting during this time, though! Budget travelers can take advantage of cheaper accommodations and tour prices during hotter months. Plus, the rivers are in full swing and help take the edge off the heat and humidity.
Getting around Laos for tourists is a snap with a little pre-planning. Visitors in Vientiane will have access to taxis and motorbike taxis. In Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Pakse, guests can depend on tuktuks and motorbike taxis for transportation.
Accommodations in Laos are abundant, particularly in tourist destinations like Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse. Check Agoda for affordable hotels and accommodations in the most popular places to visit in Laos.
FIND TOP HOTELS FOR ADVENTURE TRAVELERS AND TREKKING IN LAOS
